Your Team

George Hawkins is a Founding Partner, CEO, and Portfolio Manager of Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management (HL), which he co-founded with Chris Laakso in 2005. With over 40 years of experience in the financial industry, George specializes in asset management and investment strategies tailored for high-net-worth families.

George began his career in commercial banking, where he spent five years honing his foundational skills. He then transitioned to the fixed-income trading floor, where he worked for a decade in various roles, including marketing, trading, management, and recruitment. Following this, he joined an investment banking firm, where he collaborated with principals to develop new advisory and banking relationships and managed a private leveraged portfolio for high-net-worth investors. Now, as Portfolio Manager at Hawkins Laakso, George actively oversees the firm’s custom model portfolios, leveraging his extensive knowledge to enhance investment performance and manage risk effectively.

In 1998, George joined AXA Advisors (now Equitable Advisors) as Vice President, a position he held from 2000 to 2005, during which he built and managed a district of financial professionals. His tenure at Equitable Advisors was distinguished by numerous accolades, including the AXA Centurion, AXA Gold, AXA Circle of Excellence, and the prestigious Excalibur award, as well as induction into the Equitable Hall of Fame.

An alumnus of the University of Houston Business School and a lifetime member of Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity, George completed the AXA Institute at Harvard in 2012 and 2016, focusing on finance, asset allocation, and management. He actively participates in portfolio analysis meetings with a global economist and holds several FINRA registrations, including Series 7, 63, 65, 53, and 24.

Beyond his financial expertise, George is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the Legacy Operating Board, is Vice Chair of the Legacy Endowment Board, and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Legacy Community Health Planned Giving Committee.

As a Founding Member of the Equitable National Diversity Committee, also known as the Field Advisory Committee, he is part of a group of financial professionals dedicated to supporting diverse communities as both professionals and clients. This committee consists of individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to provide guidance and feedback for various Diversity & Inclusion programs and initiatives.

George's commitment to leadership and advocacy is further exemplified by his previous service as a Human Rights Campaign Governor and as a member of the AXA National Associates Forum (NAF) Committee.

His passion for animal welfare is evident through his support of various animal rights organizations, including the SPCA in Houston and Muttville in San Francisco.

A proud Houstonian, George splits his time between Houston, TX, and San Francisco, CA, with his partner Garret and their five rescue dogs. Together, they enjoy traveling, staying active, and exploring culinary experiences.

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1997, Chris began his career with GTE in Lexington, KY and then moved to Sprint in Houston, TX. In 2001 Chris began working with Equitable Advisors (then AXA Advisors) as a Financial Consultant. In 2005, Chris and his business partner, George Hawkins created Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management (HL). Chris is a Founding Partner and the CEO of HL.

Chris has received numerous awards throughout his career, including: DSF of the Year, National Leaders Corp, Centurion, Circle of Excellence, Equitable Hall of Fame, Bronze Eagle, Order of Excaliber, Silver Eagle, and Hallmark V.

Chris has served on the National Associates Forum (NAF), an advisory board of Advisors that collaborates with Equitable to create better products and client experiences on the platform. He was elected to the NAF in 2013 and served as a Committee Chair. In 2017, he was elected Vice Chair by the Executive Committee and Officers of the NAF. As NAF Chair in 2018, Chris oversaw the IPO of EQH and was part of the transition plan of AXA’s divesting of Equitable. His leadership within the NAF has driven positive change within the organization and he continues to volunteer his time as needed.

Chris is a Portland, Oregon native who attended Parkrose High School before playing college baseball at Clackamas CC. He then transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Information Systems. Chris holds several licenses, including the Series 7 - General Securities Representative, Series 66 - Uniform Combined State Law License, and the General Lines Insurance License. To maintain his licenses, Chris completes 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

In 2013, Chris attended The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania to earn his designation as a Retirement Planning Specialist. This program, designed by Equitable and Wharton, equips Equitable Advisors with the skills and knowledge to address the ever-changing challenges faced by individuals and families at retirement. Chris continues to attend The Wharton School every 2 years to continue to expand his knowledge base in this discipline.

Chris is a committed member of the University of Colorado community. He has held leadership roles, including President of the Houston Chapter of the Alumni Association from 2002-2004 and Committee Chair on the Board of Directors for the Boulder Alumni Association from 2002-2006. Chris continues to give back as a Professional Mentor for the Leeds School of Business, guiding and supporting students as they prepare for successful careers.

Chris is committed to supporting charitable organizations in his community. One such organization is Legacy Community Health, which provides vital healthcare services to low-income communities throughout the Houston area. Chris is currently the Chairman of the Golf Committee for the Frank Billingsley Golf Classic, an event that raises funds to support Legacy's School Based Health Clinics. Through his leadership, this golf tournament has gone from a gross of $50K raised in 2019 to over $450K raised in 2024.

Chris has lived in Houston since 1999 with his wife Brandy and their three daughters, Samantha, Peyton, and Cali.

Keaton, a proud Houston native and graduate of the University of St. Thomas, has made significant contributions to Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management (HL) over the past five years. As the Director of Rising Stars, he spearheads a program designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs and professionals by granting them access to HL’s robust financial tools and expertise.

In his role, Keaton has been instrumental in driving HL’s growth, particularly in financial planning and investment strategies, ensuring clients receive exceptional service. He is licensed in Life and Health Insurance in Texas and has successfully completed the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 examinations, further demonstrating his dedication to professional excellence.

Under Keaton’s leadership, the Rising Stars program has become a cornerstone of HL, positively impacting numerous young professionals through mentorship and guidance. His deep financial knowledge and exceptional communication skills have solidified his reputation as an invaluable asset to the firm, as well as a forward-thinking leader committed to equipping the next generation with the tools for success.

Keaton’s journey from an entry-level role to Director of Rising Stars is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and passion for client service. His contributions to HL reflect his unwavering commitment to cultivating growth and delivering excellence at every level.

CA License #4260969. AR License #19266442

Liam joined the team in January 2020, and has since held every operational role at the firm, culminating in his current position as the head of the operations department. He is committed to ensuring the firm operates with maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.

In 2023, Liam earned a BBA degree in Finance and is currently pursuing an MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Investment Management at the University of Houston. He is licensed in Life and Health Insurance in Texas and has successfully completed the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 examinations. He plans to pursue the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification after completing his MBA.

Liam is a native Houstonian with dual English citizenship, as his mother and much of his family are from England and still reside there. At home, he is supported by Gabby and his dog, Blu.

Kaleb Sanders has built his career by helping individuals, families, and business owners simplify complex financial decisions while creating clear and strategic paths toward financial freedom. With a deep commitment to empowering his clients, Kaleb draws on his analytical expertise and collaborative spirit to deliver personalized financial strategies tailored to their unique goals.

Kaleb’s journey in financial services began in 2020 as a Personal Banker at Lubbock National Bank, where he witnessed firsthand the growing need for tailored financial guidance in his community. In 2021, he joined Equitable Advisors, dedicating himself to serving clients in the energy sector—an underserved yet essential industry he recognized as being too often over-sold. With deep familial roots in West Texas cattle and cotton industries, Kaleb has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these communities and brings that perspective to his work at HL.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Kaleb earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics while refining his analytical skills as a member of the Tech Actuary and Tech Math Clubs. His passion for problem-solving and service became central to his mission of simplifying financial complexities, delivering solutions that empower his clients to achieve peace of mind and financial confidence. At HL, Kaleb specializes in areas such as cash flow management, tax and legacy planning, wealth preservation, and financial growth strategies, ensuring every client has a clear vision for achieving their version of freedom.

Outside of his role at HL, Kaleb is equally committed to living a purposeful and fulfilling life. Originally from Pearland, Texas, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Madison, whom he met during their time at Texas Tech. Together, they share a rich personal life filled with family, hunting trips, sports, and time with friends—values that mirror his professional dedication to helping others build the lives they truly desire.

Josh joined HL in 2020 as part of the operations team and, in 2023, transitioned into the role of a financial professional. During his time with the firm, he also earned his MBA/BBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, graduating in May 2023.

While excelling academically, Josh was also a standout athlete. As a 4-year starter on the University of St. Thomas men’s basketball team, he contributed to four consecutive conference championships. It was during this time that he connected with Keaton Shaw, HL’s Rising Star Director and a fellow UST men’s basketball alumnus.

Josh is licensed in Life and Health Insurance in Texas and has successfully completed both his FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 examinations. Born and raised in McAllen, TX, he brings a unique combination of discipline, teamwork, and dedication to his role at HL.

Beyond his professional commitments at HL, Josh is deeply engaged in the Houston community. His ambition for making a meaningful impact extends to his service with organizations such as the University of St. Thomas Alumni Board of Directors, the Association for Latino Professionals for America, the TXCPA Society, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Go Tejano Committee.

CA Insurance Lic. #427541. AR Insurance Lic. #20470151

Diego joined Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management in June 2023 as an intern and has since grown into his current role as an Operations Specialist. In this capacity, he supports the firm’s operational excellence by helping drive efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across day-to-day processes.

Diego earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 2026, where he built a strong analytical foundation and a detail-oriented, solutions-oriented approach.

Originally from McAllen, Texas, Diego holds dual Mexican citizenship and is fluent in English and Spanish, enabling him to communicate effectively with a diverse client base. He brings a global perspective and collaborative mindset to the HL team.

Madeline joined Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management in spring 2026 as our Operations Coordinator. She brings experience in administrative operations, event coordination, and process-focused support from her work with Texas A&M University Libraries, along with a strong background in stakeholder communication and organization. Madeline holds a B.S. in Telecommunication Media Studies with a minor in Business from Texas A&M University and is known for her detail-oriented, collaborative approach to keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.

Aunika Allen is a Financial Advisor who joined Equitable in December 2021. She began her career with the Retirement Benefits Group (RBG) in the Carolinas Branch, where she focused on helping educators navigate and strengthen their retirement plans. In January 2024, she transitioned to the Preferred Client Partner Group (PCPG), broadening her scope to serve a diverse range of clients with personalized financial strategies tailored to their unique goals.

Before becoming an advisor, Aunika served as Operations Supervisor at Loomis, where she developed strong leadership and operational management skills. Aunika now brings her experience and dedication to Hawkins Laakso in an operational support role, helping to ensure efficiency, timeliness, and exceptional client service remain central to the firm’s mission.

CA Insurance Lic #4358272
AR Insurance Lic #20012792

Matt McDonough collaborates with Hawkins Laakso through Equitable Advisor's South Carolina branch, expanding the firm’s reach and impact to new communities. He approaches his work with unwavering passion and purpose, building success through a deep understanding of his clients' priorities and concerns—whether they are individuals, families, or businesses. As a dedicated financial planner at Equitable, Matt’s mission is to deliver personalized financial strategies that protect his clients’ wealth, safeguard their future, and provide lasting peace of mind.

Backed by a trusted network of operations, compliance experts, event specialists, and partners, Matt and his team are redefining financial planning. They have created a distinctive “Family Office” experience, seamlessly integrating all elements of financial planning to meet the unique needs of each client. By helping others define and achieve their personal vision of financial prosperity, Matt ensures that every step of their financial journey is clear, strategic, and goal-centered.

Matt specializes in tax and legacy planning strategies, wealth preservation, and financial growth solutions. His holistic approach empowers clients to live a life aligned with their aspirations while building a future grounded in true financial freedom.